In their journey to create a family, Wade and Sarah chose adoption. They've since welcomed one son into their lives through adoption and built a strong support network by connecting with other adoptive families. This community has become an invaluable resource, teaching them how to talk to their son about adoption in developmentally appropriate ways, and navigate the unique joys and challenges that come with parenting.

Wade and Sarah are committed to building a deep sense of connection and attachment with their son, understanding that this can sometimes be a more deliberate process for adopted children. They prioritize spending quality time together, focusing on play and creating memorable family experiences. They often find themselves in awe of the parts of their son's personality that come from his birth family, and they look forward to experiencing this again with another adopted child.

Adoption is also a part of their extended family, as their child has cousins who were also adopted. This shared experience further strengthens their family bonds.

Wade and Sarah place a high value on education, though their own paths to learning weren't always a straight line. While both of them went on to earn advanced degrees, Wade's journey, for example, began at a trade school before he pursued his undergraduate degree. Sarah's career is even dedicated to this field, as she works in higher education. They believe that while formal education is important, it needs to be the right fit at the right time for each person, and that taking a purposeful break to make that decision is perfectly fine.

They see a crucial balance between the knowledge gained in a classroom and the lessons learned through life experience. It’s important to them that their children feel supported in all aspects of their education, both at school and at home. They plan to offer rich learning opportunities at home through reading, educational play, travel, and exploring their children's interests. To stay involved in formal schooling, they'll also make a point of volunteering and participating actively.

Wade and Sarah are outdoor enthusiasts, embracing every season with gusto. When spring and summer roll around, you'll find them soaking up the sun with their family. Along with their son and family dog, they love hiking and camping in their cozy camper, always on the lookout for a refreshing swimming spot to cool off. Close to home, they enjoy their local lake, where Sarah often takes to her paddleboard and Wade finds his calm fly fishing.

As the leaves turn and fall arrives, their passion shifts to football. They're devoted fans of the Buffalo Bills, gathering with friends and family to cheer on their team, and they even try to catch a game in person each year. Once winter sets in, the family trades their hiking boots for ski boots, hitting the slopes to ski and snowboard. They often plan special "destination vacations" just for these snowy adventures.

Year-round, Wade and Sarah also tackle home and yard improvement projects with enthusiasm. And, of course, they cherish time spent with friends and family. Just be warned: if you ever challenge Sarah to a card game, her competitive nature is bound to make an appearance!

Sarah and Wade, a dynamic duo if there ever was one, are masters of maintaining familial bonds. Sarah, a Buffalo, NY native, grew up amidst the lively chaos of a close-knit family. Her parents, brother, and a delightful assortment of extended family still reside in the Buffalo area. Their visits are a joyous whirlwind of camping escapades, holiday feasts, and, of course, cheering on the Bills (Go Bills!). Meanwhile, Wade hails from the scenic landscapes of Idaho. An annual pilgrimage out West is a given, typically involving a grand adventure to a national park, where the fresh air and stunning vistas are only outdone by the warmth of Wade's family. When not physically together, these families bridge the miles with good old-fashioned FaceTime, proving that even a screen can't dim their connection. Both sides of the family have been pillars of support in Sarah and Wade's lives, always ready with a helping hand or a celebratory hug. They share a collective love for the great outdoors, whether it's hiking a scenic trail, carving up fresh powder on the slopes, or splashing around in the water. Holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas are sacred, marked by in-person gatherings, and birthdays... Oh, those are practically national holidays in themselves!

On the rare, magical occasions when both the families converge, they get along so famously that Sarah and Wade often find themselves delightfully forgotten in the hubbub. It's a testament to the fact that these two wonderful families aren't just supportive; they're practically interchangeable, much to Sarah and Wade's amusement and endless joy.

Sarah and Wade have truly struck gold with their North Carolina community, a vibrant haven with many young families. The local paper practically needs a dedicated "kids' events" editor, churning out a weekly e-newsletter packed with activities. And a short drive lands them in larger cities boasting kid-focused museums and sprawling parks.

Their home, a charming four-bedroom, sits in a small village just outside of town. Here, immediate neighbors all have small children, creating an instant network of playmates and parent pals. Forget long car rides for outdoor fun; two parks and a lake with a swimming area are just a stroll away. The parks are a kid's dream, complete with swings, slides, sandboxes, soccer fields, and a perfect path for those wobbly first bike rides.

Their house is a fortress of fun, nestled safely away from the road with a large yard that seamlessly connects to their neighbors'—a genuine "kid-topia" where the little ones can roam and explore freely. Inside, a dedicated upstairs play area ensures even rainy days are filled with laughter. 

It's nice to connect with you and share a bit about ourselves. We understand that our shared decision to pursue adoption has brought us together in a very unique and meaningful way. We also know that getting to this point has meant facing different, and at times difficult, experiences for each of us. We hope this letter helps you get a sense of who we are.

Our journey began years ago when we first met and decided we wanted a future together. We built our relationship on many shared values, and one of the most important was our dream of becoming parents. We tried to have children biologically, but we knew that adoption was also a path our hearts were open to. We decided to build our family this way and were so happy to adopt our son in 2022. We always knew we wanted siblings for our family, since we both grew up with brothers or sisters and those relationships are so important to us.

We thought very carefully about the decision to build our family through adoption. Through self-reflection, learning about the process, and building a strong support community, we feel confident in our ability to lean on these strengths to help our child grow and understand their identity. Part of that identity is openly talking about adoption and always making a place for their birth family in their life. We want to help our child understand that they are part of a loving family that cares for them and supports their personal journey. We know these conversations can be emotional, so we will build a trusting relationship where they feel comfortable asking tough questions and know they will get honest and kind answers.

We can only imagine that your decision to create an adoption plan wasn't easy, but we believe it was done out of love for this child. We promise to be open and honest with them about their story, and our own, emphasizing a culture of care for everyone involved. Our greatest hope is to share the world with this child and to learn just as much from them as they will from us.

Wade and Sarah want their adopted children to feel they are loved by many people, including their biological parent(s). Wade and Sarah are open to exchanging pictures and letters directly with the birth parent(s) and working with them to build a supportive plan to remain connected in ways that center the best interests of the child.

We look forward to exploring the United States and the world with them through outdoor adventures like camping, hiking, and travel. We're also excited to experience local and international food and cultures together, making these trips not only fun but also special family time. At home, we lead an active life filled with physical and intellectual activities, surrounded by our family and friends. Our child will grow up in a loving and supportive environment. We have strong relationships with our extended family—grandparents, siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins—and a close group of friends. Everyone is excited to welcome a new child into our lives, and our son is especially thrilled to be a big brother.

It is with heartfelt gratitude and humility that we are on this journey to grow our family.

Thank you for considering us in your adoption journey.

Wade & Sarah